The National Parks of Montenegro

Montenegro is this small Balkan country nestled between Croatia, Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia. It's an ideal destination for those who wish to combine culture, nature, and swimming. The 4 natural parks of the country are worth a detour on their own. Between fauna, flora, and culture, explore the national parks of Montenegro for a stay in the heart of Montenegro still preserved from mass tourism.

Durmitor National Park

It's undoubtedly the most beautiful of the national parks of Montenegro. The Durmitor park is enchanting. Ski slopes, high mountains, lakes, canyon, primary forests, there's something for everyone. Get lost on its hiking trails before starting the rafting descent of the Tara River. Admire nature and taste local products at the locals' table. Welcome to Montenegro.

Massif of the Dinaric Alps chain, Durmitor is located in the north of Montenegro. Composed of glacial lakes, meadows, and forests, the park's glaciers vary from 450m to over 2500m. The entrance town, charming Zabljak, is located at an altitude of 1450m. Situated in the heart of the park, it's an excellent starting point for discovering it. Starting with the majestic "Black Lake", the largest and also the most beautiful in the park.

View this post on Instagram ?? Black Lake in Durmitor. Durmitor National Park houses the canyon of the Tara River, the 2nd largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon, quite something! – – – On our way for the weekend friends!!!! What are your plans? For us it will be a Parisian escape ❤️ ___________________________ #durmitornationalpark , that shelters the 2nd biggest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon… – – #durmitor #montenegro #passionvoyage #blogvoyage #instavoyage #frenchtraveler #changerdevie #nomades #passionpasseport #decouvrirensemble #voyageursdumonde #voyager #lesfrancaisvoyagent #lonelyplanetfr #routard #paysagesmagnifiques

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Durmitor National Park is a preserved natural reserve and houses a rare ecosystem. More than 2500 plant species thrive here and you can walk through Europe's oldest black pine forest. Be attentive; with luck, you might spot a golden eagle, a bear, or a roe deer during your hikes.

In the park, you'll find many canyons including the most famous one of the Tara River. It's Europe's largest and the second largest in the world after the Grand Canyon in the United States.

The must-sees of Durmitor National Park

• Hike from 1 hour to several days in the heart of the park's glaciers and forests
• Admire the lakes and particularly the majestic Black Lake
• Discover Dobrilovina Monastery and enjoy views over the valley.
• Đurđevića Tara Bridge: built at the beginning of World War II, it was then Europe's largest arch bridge.
• For thrill-seekers, bungee jumping off the bridge is an exhilarating experience
• Rafting in the gorges of the Tara River

Lovcen National Park

Winding roads along mountain sides? A panoramic view over Kotor Bay and other national parks of Montenegro? Blue, green, white as far as the eye can see? No doubt you are in Lovcen National Park.

View this post on Instagram #montenegro ?? day 4: we take some height in Lovcen National Park and in the former royal capital of Cetinje ?⛅⛰️ #champdecailloux

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Located between Kotor and Cetinje, at the heart of the Dinaric Alps, it takes its name from Mount Lovcen, which peaks at 1749m altitude. Atop this sacred mountain lies Petar II Petrovic Njegos, king, poet, and philosopher of the 19th century. The church built during his lifetime was destroyed in 1916 and today it's a whole mausoleum housing his remains. Climb up 461 steps separating Njegusi village from the summit and admire magical views over Kotor Bay and Montenegro's mountains.

(c) Alesya_G - Need pix

Lovcen National Park houses more than 1300 plant species and 200 bird species. Lucky ones among you might cross paths with a marsh turtle. This nearly extinct species is only seen in Lovcen and Skadar Lake parks.

The must-sees in Lovcen National Park

• Take Snake Road: 32 hairpin turns connecting Kotor to Lovcen Park entrance.
• Visit Petrovic family house in Njegusi
• Hike towards Mount Lovcen's summit. Visit Petar II's mausoleum and admire breathtaking views over the whole country.
• Discover Cetinje, former capital city; visit its museums & royal palace.

Biogradska Gora National Park

The smallest of Montenegro's national parks will make you forget its size. Glacial lakes, primary forests & snow-capped peaks... Let yourself be charmed by Biogradska Gora Park as you delve deep into Montenegro on less traveled trails.

View this post on Instagram Colors of Biogradska Gora National Park & sunlight filtering through leaves from over 500-year-old trees... . . . . . #naturephoto #main_vision #landscape_captures #awesome_earthpix #natureaddict #rsa_rural #awesomeearth #nature_wizards #nature_brilliance #EarthVisuals #artofvisuals #welivetoexplore #natureaddict #naturediversity #ourplanetdaily #ig_europe #topeuropephoto #loves_europe #unlimitedeurope #montenegro #forest #hiking #forest_captures #balkan

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Nature lovers & wide-open spaces enthusiasts will find happiness at Biogradska Gora park. Located in central Montenegro, 90km from capital Podgorica; this national park is bordered by Lim & Tara rivers. Nestled within Bjelasica mountain range; glaciers & peaks reach above 2000m within this majestic natural space. The park contains numerous glacial lakes mostly scattered between 1800 & 2000m altitudes. Biograd Lake, most well-known & largest one stands just at an altitude of 1080 m.

Photo Credit: Source Wikimedia Commons / Photo by Uri Bareket

This small park is also a rich natural reserve. Biogradska Gora's biodiversity impresses with wolves' natural habitat or even bears or roe deer; you might encounter over150 bird species plus350 different insects along with10 mammal species. Finally,the park hosts one last remaining primary forests within Europe offering opportunities for walking through over500-year-old forest...

The must-sees at Biogradska Gora park

• Discover "mountain eyes," glacial lakes within park
• Hike within park from1 hour up till several days with option sleeping inside it too
• Rent rowing boat exploring Biograd lake
• Visit Kolasin village footstep Biogradska Gora National Park spend night typical small chalet

Skadar Lake National Park

View this post on Instagram Just about set off adventure Slovenia thought would post photo previous trip Montenegro! Hope next two weeks spectacular 😄#montenegro#europe#europe_vacations#europe_pics#skadar#skadarlake#wetland#lillies#waterlilies#mountains#nature#skadarlakenationalpark#river#forest#landscape#thehikingway#hiking#walking#adventure#earthfocus#getoutside#mountains_geek

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The largest lake Balkans stretches across40K ha straddling both Montenegro Albania making it largest Montenegro national park Naturally,lake mesmerizes beauty yet historical past region adds value too... A little upstream discover small town Rijeka Crnojevica named after river bordering village ideal starting point enjoying boat ride do not hesitate calling local guide who will reveal local fauna flora during tour boat proudly explaining area... Changing colors,lake meanders incredible biodiversity majestic nature reserve everything enchanting here... Moreover,it’s actually largest migratory bird reserve last habitat pelicans Europe...

Must-sees Skadar Lake National Park:

-Admire lake view Karuc sharing "feet water" daily life animals residents Dodosi... -Visit Rijeka Crnojevica "prettiest village Montenegro" -Approach Skadar lake boat Rijeka Crnojevica depending light numerous islands give small Ha Long Bay feel... -Taste local wine viticultural region...

Montenegro’s national parks,a nature trip off beaten paths:

You got it,Montenegro chosen destination dream vast spaces lush nature... Although much less touristy neighbor Croatia,Montenegro attracting more more visitors...Kotor or Adriatic coast often besieged.. Explore national parks,nature reserves incredible country fully enjoy majestic landscapes offered... every season all desires Montenegro national parks enchant you... together locals share unique moments taste local specialties marvel every instant... and tailor-made journey aligning closely locals away mass tourism don’t hesitate contacting local agency... nothing left now enjoy:Breathe.Adore.Share.Repeat 😉

thanking Athena OLIVEIRA article@lesamantsvoyageurs